What this class covers
ANZSIC class 1920 classifies Australian businesses that manufacture products made exclusively from natural rubber. This classification applies to operations that process natural rubber latex into finished goods through various manufacturing processes such as vulcanisation, moulding, and extrusion. The class specifically requires that products be made solely from natural rubber, distinguishing it from synthetic rubber manufacturing.
Typical businesses in this class include medical supply manufacturers producing examination gloves and condoms, industrial component makers creating conveyor belts and rubber hoses, and consumer goods manufacturers producing items like rubber bands, bathing caps, and hot water bottles. These operations typically involve processing raw natural rubber through compounding, shaping, and curing processes to create durable rubber products.
The classification is used by government agencies, researchers, and industry bodies to track the natural rubber manufacturing sector within Australia's broader manufacturing industry. Businesses operating in this space should ensure they're correctly classified as it affects statistical reporting, industry benchmarking, and potential eligibility for sector-specific programs.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class primarily engage in:
- Manufacturing medical and protective rubber products including gloves, condoms, and teething rings
- Producing industrial rubber components such as conveyor belts, hoses, tubing, and washers
- Creating consumer rubber goods including rubber bands, balloons, and bath mats
- Manufacturing rubber household items like hot water bottles, mattress protectors, and pillows
- Producing specialized rubber products including diaphragms, plugs, and sponges made from natural rubber
Exclusions and nearby codes
This class specifically excludes manufacturing involving synthetic rubber, which falls under ANZSIC class 1821: Synthetic Resin and Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing. The key distinction is the material source—natural rubber comes from latex-producing plants, while synthetic rubber is chemically produced from petroleum products.
Businesses that manufacture rubber products using both natural and synthetic rubber typically fall under broader rubber product manufacturing classifications. Operations focused on rubber tyre manufacturing are classified separately under ANZSIC class 1911, while those manufacturing plastic products are covered under division 18 of the ANZSIC classification system.
Practical guidance
When registering your business or updating your ABN details, you'll need to select the appropriate Business Industry Classification (BIC) code, which aligns with ANZSIC classifications. For natural rubber product manufacturing, the corresponding BIC code is 19200. Using the correct classification ensures accurate statistical reporting and may affect your eligibility for industry-specific grants or programs.
Workers' compensation insurance premiums may be influenced by your ANZSIC classification, as different manufacturing activities carry varying risk profiles. Keep detailed records of your manufacturing processes and materials used, as this documentation may be required to substantiate your classification to regulatory bodies or for compliance purposes.
Businesses in this sector should stay informed about industry standards and regulations, particularly for medical and safety-related rubber products which may have additional compliance requirements. The classification system is periodically updated, so businesses should verify their classification remains current when completing official documentation.